BRIGHAM CITY – It was a victory, a convincing victory, but came at a high cost.
The Dixie Rebels traveled to Brigham City to take on the Brigham Sting and came away with a hard-fought 31-3 victory to advance to the Rocky Mountain Football League Championship game. They will take on the Wasatch Revolution, which held off the Utah Stealth to win their semifinal in an earlier game 20-17. But the Rebels will do so without league rushing leader and MVP contender Misi Tupe. Tupe was ejected in the third quarter for an alleged punch thrown at a Sting defender.
“We had been decimating their defense all night,” said Rebels head coach Dale Stott. “They were certainly not used to it and started to get a little chippy, throwing late hits and even stomping on one of our players earlier in the game. Grown men are eventually going to react to that type of play if the officials let it get out of hand, which unfortunately was the case tonight. On the play that Misi (Tupe) was ejected, he was gang-tackled by three defenders and one roughly ripped his helmet off his head. There were words exchanged and one of the defenders got in his face and Misi reacted. What I saw was a push to the helmet but two out of the four officials believed it was a punch, so he was ejected.”
In a quirky game for the Rebel offense, Dixie’s two rushing touchdowns were scored by receivers. Tanner Wood scored first on a 10-yard reverse to put the Rebels in front 7-0. After an Eric Brooksby field goal at the beginning of the second quarter, Wood tacked on another touchdown, this time through the air as he hauled in Tupe’s pass from 39 yards out.
Tupe then connected with Brennan Adams for a 52-yard bomb just before the break, giving the Rebels a healthy 24-0 cushion. The second rushing touchdown was a one-yard plunge by tight end Jordan Loo. Those points would be the Rebels last coming with 10:25 to go in the third quarter.
“Misi was having his best game of the year,” said Stott. “His passing accuracy has improved and he was punishing their defense on big plays when they were putting nine players in the box.”
Shortly after the last touchdown, Tupe was ejected. From that point both teams coughed up the ball either on turnovers or on downs until the Sting scored a meaningless field goal with just under two minutes to play in the game.
The Sting defense had been stingy all year, holding teams to 10 points per game. The Polynesian trio of Tupe, Rimo Mapu and Sione Tapuosi was in full throttle, carrying the ball 28 times for 214 yards. Tupe added 286 yards and two touchdowns passing to his totals, finding five different receivers.
Similarly, the Sting offense had been averaging 25 points and 250 yards per game. The Rebels defense held them to 148 yards and only three points on a late field goal against Dixie’s backups.
“I know that we frustrated them both offensively and defensively,” said Stott. Stott plans on appealing the ejection and ruling to hold Tupe out of the championship game.
“He is probably the league MVP and we have the two best teams whose only losses have been to each other,” said Stott. “When not even the entire officiating crew could agree that it was a punch, the decision to eject Tupe became arbitrary and capricious. But to then punish the team based on that arbitrary decision for the championship game not only hurts our team, but the league itself. Can you imagine Peyton Manning being held out of the Super Bowl for a similar reaction?”
League rules, you throw a punch and you're out! Sucks because that's not even a championship game if held to the ruling. But whether it was a push, or a slap, or a punch..... It's still a player reacting. The rules don't say well he can react and hit only if the officials haven't been calling late hits, or even if someone pulls his helmet off. The rule says no hitting! Period. I get the situation and all, but you throw a punch and you're out! Sorry.
Also, the comment about Peyton Manning.... You're not gonna see him throw a punch!! MVP's don't do stuff like that! ;)
for the Rev... You guys just got a gift to a free trophy if he can't play. Kinda makes it not even worth it. Truly lame championship without Misi playing.
You play the team that lines up against you. When the Rev are victorious, it absolutely will be worth it. We've put in the workall season (and seasons before) to get to where we are. It's not our fault this happened l. we've had to deal with players having to sit out this year, too (although obviously not Misi-type guys).
The Rebs still have some of the best RBs, OLs, LBs and DLs in the league. I know my matchups don't get any easier with Misi being out. Rev will still have a very tough matchup on Saturday.
-- Edited by fattycoug on Sunday 22nd of June 2014 11:26:08 AM
There's two people at fault in my opinion....Misi obviously.....but the Rebel 's coach.....why leave Misi in the game with a convincing lead in the 3rd quarter.
Misi is a great athlete, but everybody sleeping on Sione and Mapu. The RebelUSOS will show up to play
Why everybody so intimidated by Misi, though? That dude bleeds just like me......I'm more scared of Leon!
RevolUSOS vs. RebelUSOS.....Part 3.....see Yall at the SWAMP
i'll keep it simple we're the "DIXIE REBELS" not the "DIXIE TUPES" ... its unfortunate what happen but we as a team still have faith that we going to win the championship next sat , the next man will step up , saying we have no chance without misi is disrespect to the rest of our team, see yall sat !!!!
Oh I'm sure the rebels will fight because that's what they do! But let's say Vegas were putting the lines out and they found out that Peyton Manning was not going to play in the Super Bowl. GUARANTEE they change the odds...FACT!!!!
statistics show (as everyone has been arguing for MVP) that Misi is the reason the rebels are who they are this year, plain and simple! I'm not saying the rebels don't have great supporting talent. But honestly Misi is what has brought their success this year. I do wish them luck and hope that the game is a nail biter, I just don't think it will be when they lose their star.
Could I be wrong?? Sure... I have been before. So go prove me wrong. Seriously best of luck to both teams. The best two teams are playing for the shiP and earned it.
Well first of all it wasn't a gang tackle, it was a bad snap that got fumbled. One of our players got on the ball and got hit by about three rebels. Misi was one of those guys. Our guy tried to pull misi off of the pile. When he got up words were exchanged and tupe through a punch. I have nothing but respect for Misi but it was a blatant punch and I even heard him appologize after the game. Either way it is what it is. See ya'll next year.
I was at the game. I am unbiased as well. I didn't think the fight or scuffle warranted objection. That stuff happens in this league and it wasnt too bad. He should play this week.
It was like Drew said... pile on a fumble, someone was pulling him off (I heard it was by the facemask but I don't personally know that level of detail). Misi jumped up and threw a jab-type thing. It wasn't bad but it was intentional and it was a strike. Rules is rules.
Dude's a beast and a huge part of the Rebels offense but judging by their overall performance yeaterday, they'll still be alright next weekend.
As far as the comments about late hits and dirty play... bulls**t. It was a physical game but no side was any more "dirty" than the other. No need to make excuses for your MVP contender losing his cool. It's understandable, it happened, it was a mistake. Leave it at that.
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Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
14. Fines and Penalties for Player and Team Behavior
a. A player ejected from a game for fighting will miss the remainder of that game and will also miss
the next TWO (2) games. The player will also be required to pay a $100 fine (personally) to the
RMFL. Both the fine and suspended games must be fulfilled before the player can play again. A
second ejection for fighting from a subsequent ball game will result in indefinite suspension from
the RMFL as determined by the Vice‐President of Compliance and Regulation.
B. A player ejected for unsportsmanlike behavior will miss the remainder of that game and will
also miss the next game. The player will also be required to pay a $100 fine (personally) to the
RMFL. Both the fine and suspended game must be fulfilled before the player can play again.
Either way (a. ejection for fighting or b. unsportsmanlike behavior), it looks like he's out for the championship game. UNLESS, someone is a smooth talker and argues that the rules do not specify regular vs. post season. It would be a stretch and highly disappointing/mildly impressive if someone successfully argued it but I've seen more idiotic things happen. Ya never know.
I don't recall what the penalty actually was (a or b), I only keyed in on the "He GONE!!" signal. Does anyone know for sure?
__________________
Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
Throwing a single punch at a helmet seems less vicious than a late hit or all the actual fighting after a whistle where players are trying to throw each other to the ground, try and get another hit in, or pull helmets off.
Still no word from the Commish who WAS PLAYING in the game? Hmm... I understand him taking the safe stance, but come on now. Those who were NOT at the game would like to know whats going down...?
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Any incorrect grammar, spelling, or inproper use of verbiage, shall be blamed on my iPhone not me!
For those of you who are asking what went down I was about ten feet away from the incident. While I didn't see the "Punch" thrown in real life I do remember a lot of cussing and it wasn't from a familiar voice (aka Misi Tupe). Anyone who watches the clip can see that #90 instigated the punch. First, by pulling on Misi's face mask. Second, by saying something I can't repeat in a public forum, (just know it was bad enough the #94  from the Sting had the decency to step in and try to create space even before the "punch" was thrown so maybe ask them. BTW) then finally by physically getting les than an inch away from Misi's face( remember Misi isn't wearing a helmet at this time but #90 had his on) and Misi pushed him away, while also backing himself away from #90 and afterwards #90 is the one who has to be held back. Trust! if Misi would've punched the guy, he would have known it!! It was not a fight nor a punch but a get out of my face gesture. If someone walked into my space and called me a B**** and about head butted me I don't think I would shake his hand and say "have a great rest of the game". If anyone should have received the unsportsmanlike penalty it should have been #90. Anyway that is a quick recap of the moment with some commentary from a guy 10 feet away from the incidence. Is it biased, possibly, but over-exaggerated no way!
Ahh, screw it... let him play. We don't consistently enforce anything anyway. At least the Rebels jerseys matched, amirite? Huh? Huh? (still holding out for elbowing emoticon)
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Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
As per the constitution, we suspended Misi 2 games and fined him $100. The Dixie Rebels appealed the fine and suspension WITH EVIDENCE (first appeal all year with it). We are in the process of reviewing that film right now and should have a decision by tomorrow morning. With Brad being involved in the game and Doug being a former owner of the Rebels with ties to the REV (hi phynn), they have been excused from the committee on this process. Dan Buhler and Jared Emerick are helping me with the decision. We are also reaching out to our officiating networks to get more opinions on the matter.
Thanks for your patience on this. I have no further comments to the ongoing investigation...
It's pretty simple to me. If a player can be suspended from a Semi-Final Playoff game (appealed down to a half game) plus fined $100, for receiving "personal fouls" for swearing and using the "F" Bomb. (one of the "personal fouls" coming in a Pre-Season game.) WITH EVIDENCE that the other player had maliciously hit said swearing player out of bounds, with referees watching it. Well, then this should be cut and dry. Regardless if it was an all out punch or not, if you get kicked out of a game you've got at least one FULL GAME Suspension coming, plus pay that same $100. It's a joke that here it is Tuesday and we're waiting on a decision! If the league is so set on sportsmanship and is willing to suspend and fine players that pay to play. Well, I guess the have to set a precedence and say whether your the player everyone loves to hate or, the player everyone loves.... You still held to the same level of accountability!!! If not then it shows you what type of integrity the league truly has..
P.S. In the hood we call this a case of....... DON'T DO THE CRIME, IF YOU CAN'T DO THE TIME...
I'm not sure I can add anything to what has already been said. There was a loose ball and ensuing pile. Dan Augustus from our team was pulling Misi off the pile when the two of them got into it. Whether it was a hard shove or soft punch, I don't know; the ref on the field called it a punch, which led to the ejection. As Jess pointed out, I'm removed from their discussion because I was playing in the game. Fortunately, although I haven't seen it myself, my understanding is that there is good film of the game. I know Jess has talked to the officials officiating the game, as well as other officials. I'm happy to answer questions, but not sure what else I can add.
I'm not sure ultimately why it's such a priority on everyone's list besides the Rebels on what the outcome is? So that we can all chatter and gossip about it? Do we all want a rushed decision that isn't thought through and processed appropriately? Seriously, lets give the board some more **** about it the Tuesday after the incident.
No you don't want to rush this decision, as whatever the outcome is (positive or negative) will set a precedent for suspension cases from here on forward.
Sucks that he got ejected. You always want the best players in the biggest game. Why not just fine him and suspend him the first game of next season? Sorry I'd just really like to see a good game. Not taking anything away from other rebel players but losing your qb who happens to be one of the best players in the league for the biggest game is a blow. Hopefully the football gods shine their light on him and give him another opportunity especially if this is his first incident.
I'm not sure ultimately why it's such a priority on everyone's list besides the Rebels on what the outcome is? So that we can all chatter and gossip about it? Umm.. yeah?
Do we all want a rushed decision that isn't thought through and processed appropriately? Umm... hell yeah.
Seriously, lets give the board some more **** about it the Tuesday after the incident. Deal
Seriously, I just like watching both sides of it... the "hells yeah, Misi ain't playing Saturday, woop woop" camp and the "oh... y'all just scared to let the man come do his thing in the 'ship" camp. Jeremy, aside from winning huge points by reppin' us old dudes, brings up a good point. Seems a lot like the precedent has already been set... a full game (appealed to 1/2 game) suspension and a $100 fine resulting from a REACTIVE personal foul. Boom, Misi's out $100 and the first 1/2 of the championship.
Here we go... split personality time: I also want Misi to play the whole game because he's a beast and it's the championship. With him in, no one can say anything about it not being a true Rebels/Rev matchup. I'll be there (watching, because I super duper suck) and I want the best show possible.
__________________
Darrell Baranowski
Utah Shock #51
Player... just a player. Hallelujah, I'M ONLY A PLAYER!!
I'm not sure ultimately why it's such a priority on everyone's list besides the Rebels on what the outcome is? So that we can all chatter and gossip about it? Umm.. yeah?
Do we all want a rushed decision that isn't thought through and processed appropriately? Umm... hell yeah.
Seriously, lets give the board some more **** about it the Tuesday after the incident. Deal
Seriously, I just like watching both sides of it... the "hells yeah, Misi ain't playing Saturday, woop woop" camp and the "oh... y'all just scared to let the man come do his thing in the 'ship" camp. Jeremy, aside from winning huge points by reppin' us old dudes, brings up a good point. Seems a lot like the precedent has already been set... a full game (appealed to 1/2 game) suspension and a $100 fine resulting from a REACTIVE personal foul. Boom, Misi's out $100 and the first 1/2 of the championship.
Here we go... split personality time: I also want Misi to play the whole game because he's a beast and it's the championship. With him in, no one can say anything about it not being a true Rebels/Rev matchup. I'll be there (watching, because I super duper suck) and I want the best show possible.
Who is saying"hells yeah, Misi ain't playing Saturday, woop woop"?
The closest I've seen is "rules should be rules" but no cheering Because he may not9t play. In know that is the farthest any Rev player has taken it. Some would be disappointed in the ruling if it is overturned but not because we will have to play him.
BTW, half of the suspension (as your "precedent" sets) is still a full game in this situation. Would make more sense to simply say he shouldn't have been ejected so there's no suspension then reducing it a game and a half.
